Ah, the magic of the holiday season! It’s that wonderful time of the year when sweets fill the air with their delightful aromas, and every gathering feels like a celebration. I can still remember my grandmother’s kitchen, the warmth of the oven, and the laughter of my family as we devoured her famous holiday treats together. There’s something so special about baking holiday desserts that brings everyone together, don’t you think? This simple and delicious dessert is perfect for Christmas celebrations, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Trust me, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your home, just like it did in mine. Let’s get started on making some festive magic!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base for our delicious dessert!
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives it that rich chocolate flavor we all love.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens everything up beautifully.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – Makes the dessert nice and creamy, so don’t forget to let it sit out a bit!
- 2 large eggs – These add moisture and help everything bind together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a splash to enhance all those sweet flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This little guy helps our dessert rise perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – The best part! Add them for melty, gooey goodness in every bite.
How to Prepare Your Holiday Dessert
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this delicious holiday dessert to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, chocolatey treat in no time.
Prepping the Oven and Mixing Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your dessert bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to measure accurately—too much flour can make your dessert dense, and we want it nice and soft! Give those dry ingredients a good whisk to mix them well.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Next, in another bowl, it’s time to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned whisk works too! Beat them together until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overmix, or your dessert might end up a bit tough. Just until it’s smooth and airy, that’s the goal!
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix it all together until combined, then gradually add your dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything just comes together. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing here is a big no-no! We want that soft, tender texture to shine through.
Adding Chocolate Chips and Baking
Time for the fun part—folding in those chocolate chips! Gently stir them into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Then, pour the batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan. Give it a little shake to level it out, so it bakes evenly. Trust me, this will help avoid any wonky shapes!
Baking Time and Testing for Doneness
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go! If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. You’ll want to enjoy it warm or at room temperature—delicious!
Tips for Success
To really nail this holiday dessert, I’ve got some pro tips for you! First, always use room temperature butter; it mixes in better and gives that perfect creamy texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, just pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften, but don’t melt it! Another key tip is to avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients—just stir until combined. This keeps your dessert soft and fudgy. And hey, if you’re adding nuts, chop them up finely so they distribute evenly without overpowering the chocolate. Lastly, don’t skip the toothpick test; it’s your best friend for checking doneness. A few moist crumbs are perfect, but if the toothpick comes out with wet batter, it needs more time. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. While I do my best to provide typical values, remember these numbers are just estimates. For this delightful holiday dessert, here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Always feel free to adjust based on your dietary preferences or needs. Enjoy your baking journey and all the deliciousness that comes with it!
FAQ About Holiday Desserts
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make adjustments, there are some easy swaps you can try. For a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based butter or even coconut oil instead of regular butter. If you need to avoid eggs, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for each egg. And if you’re not a fan of chocolate chips, you can swap them for nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate to give it a different flavor. Just keep in mind that any substitutions might slightly change the texture or taste, but that’s all part of the fun of baking!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last about a week. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before you dig in! You can also gently reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you crave that warm, gooey goodness again. Yum!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can totally make this delicious dessert ahead of time! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings because you can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just remember to let it cool completely before you store it. When you’re ready to serve, you can cut it into squares and enjoy it at room temperature or warmed up. It tastes just as delightful after a day or two, making it an easy treat to prep ahead of all the holiday hustle and bustle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers looking to create something delicious without stress.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips gives you that indulgent chocolate taste that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 16 generous servings, it’s a great dessert to bring to holiday parties or family gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients, like adding nuts or using different types of chocolate, to make it your own.
- Good for Any Occasion: While it’s perfect for Christmas, this treat is delightful year-round, making it a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.
- Warm and Comforting: Enjoy it warm out of the oven or at room temperature; it’s a cozy treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked this delightful holiday dessert, it’s time to think about how to make the experience even more special! Here are some simple and festive serving suggestions that will complement your chocolatey squares beautifully:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light and airy texture that contrasts perfectly with the rich chocolate.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm squares alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that everyone adores. The melty ice cream paired with warm chocolate is pure bliss!
- Hot Cocoa: For an extra cozy vibe, whip up some homemade hot cocoa. The rich chocolate flavor of the cocoa will harmonize perfectly with the dessert.
- Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side not only adds a pop of color but also brings a refreshing tartness that balances out the sweetness.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee or even a festive holiday blend will enhance the overall experience, making it a great pairing for your dessert.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect holiday dessert spread. Enjoy the flavors and the joy of sharing with loved ones!
For more holiday dessert ideas, check out this festive dessert recipe that will surely impress your guests!
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Holiday Desserts Christmas: 5 Steps to Sweet Success!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious holiday dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the dessert soft.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: holiday desserts christmas
